The streets disappearing off Charles St are a must for anyone into interiors, antiques and knick knacks.

And the park just the place for anyone keen to tickle a remarkably tame squirrel or three.

We marched our way right up to the top of Beacon Hill.

To the Boston Athenæum (one of the oldest and most important libraries in The States) at 10 ½ Beacon Street.

(Who needs Platform 9 3/4?!)

The Athenæum is quiet, secret little world far away from the busy streets outside.

Visitors can only visit the first floor unless you go on a special tour, which you have to book a month in advance (you should have seen the withering look I got for asking if there were any space left on the next one. I wince just thinking about it!)